Dodgers offense sloppy as they fall to D-Backs

The Dodgers blew countless opportunities to score runs in the game, as they fell to the D-Backs 5-2.

Don’t let the two runs fool you, as the offense was all but quiet. They were able to reach base, but couldn’t do anything about it. Both of LA’s runs came courtesy of solo home runs from Corey Seager and A.J. Pollock, who went back-to-back in the third inning. That was it. On the night, the Dodgers were 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and stranded 12 runners on base.

Their first squandered opportunity came in the second inning. After two singles, the Dodgers had runners on first and second with two outs. Austin Barnes stepped to the plate but flew out, ending the inning.

The biggest opportunity for LA came in the fourth inning as the Dodgers had runners on second and third with nobody out. Barnes came up yet again with an opportunity to bring in some runs. He flew out, failing to bring in the runner from third. Mookie Betts was intentionally walked to load the bases for Seager. After jumping ahead in the count 2-0, Seager grounded into an inning-ending double play.

The sixth inning was a disaster for the Dodgers, as sloppy base running cost them two crucial outs. After a walk from Enrique Hernandez, he advanced to third base on a single from Will Smith. However, Smith was thrown out at first base while trying to get back to the bag. Instead of runners at the corners with no outs, Hernandez stood at third with one out. That was short lived, as after a walk to Barnes, Hernandez was thrown out at home while attempting a double steal. Barnes was safe at second, but Hernandez got thrown out on the throw back.

Or, did he? You make the call.

Betts walked and there were two on for Seager. He failed to deliver, grounding out to end the inning.

Fast forward to the eighth, the Dodgers had a chance to tie the game. Trailing by three, Edwin Rios represented the tying run at the plate when he stepped up with two on and one out. He struck out on three pitches and Betts then flew out to end the inning.

On just his second pitch of the night, Dustin May took a line drive off of his left foot. He remained in the game and finished the inning, but had a noticeable limp while walking back to the dugout. His night would be over, as he was removed after that one inning. Later in the game it was announced that May has a left foot contusion. During a mid-game interview, Dave Roberts said that an X-ray of May’s foot was “inconclusive” and there will be more testing tomorrow.

Victor Gonzalez relieved May, throwing a scoreless inning. Alex Wood followed, allowing two runs (one earned) in his inning of work. Tony Gonsolin then came in and gave the Dodgers five solid innings, saving arms in the bullpen. He was great with the exception of one inning, where he allowed three runs to Arizona. Gonsolin allowed as many runs in that inning (3) as he has allowed in five starts combined this year.

Thursday particulars

WP: Riley Smith (1-0) 3 ¹⁄₃ IP, 0 ER, 5 BB, 4 SO

LP: Tony Gonsolin (0-1) 5 IP, 3 ER, 3 SO

Home runs: Corey Seager (12) AJ Pollock (9) Carson Kelly (3)

Box score

Up next

The Dodgers have an off day (!!!) tomorrow on a Friday. I know, it’s weird. They’ll resume play on Saturday night against the Astros. First pitch is at 5:07 p.m. PT on FOX. Julio Urias (3-0, 3.86 ERA) will get the start for LA.